England vs Ireland: Jason Roy blessed with one-off Test call-up

Jason Roy had a memorable outing in the World Cup, having scored runs at an average of over 60. He has now been rewarded with a spot in the Test squad for the one-off match against Ireland, which is scheduled to get underway on July 24 at the Lord’s in London. Roy hasn’t played a first-class match since November and has batted only thrice in Surrey’s winning County Championship campaign last summer.

His top score of 153 in the World Cup came against Bangladesh at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. Roy has been awe-inspiring form over the last few months. In the World Cup, he churned out five 50 plus scores in seven innings. The right-hander replaced Keaton Jennings in the squad after the opener had an average of 15.50 in the Brits’ last Test series against the Windies back in February.

Rest for Stokes and Buttler

Pacemen Jofra Archer has a side strain and he didn’t find a place. The speedster will travel to Barbados, his place of birth, for a short break before returning for the Ashes. Archer was England’s highest wicket-taker in the World Cup and also bowled the famous Super Over against New Zealand in the final. Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes have been given a much-needed break by the management.

Both are included in a 16-man pre-Ashes training camp, which is set to take place this weekend at St George’s Park. James Anderson found a place in the squad, but may not play as he continues his rehabilitation from the calf injury. The 27-year-old Lewis Gregory got his maiden Test call-up after putting up impressive performances for Somerset and the England Lions in domestic cricket.

He picked up 44 wickets at an average of 13.88 and is currently captaining the England Lions in their match against Australia XI in Canterbury. Olly Stone, the Warwickshire seamer made his debut last year against Sri Lanka, and he has been called up as well. Stone has recovered from back injury recently.

Here is England’s squad

Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes